Did You Know?

Gene Hickerson was a star fullback in high school, but Coach Johnny Vaught had other plans for him when he got to Ole Miss. Vaught’s strategy was to recruit the best high school athletes available – primarily quarterbacks and fullbacks – then develop their skills at other positions. Hickerson found himself playing tackle at Ole Miss, and then guard for the Cleveland Browns, where he led the blocking for great runners like JIm Brown and Leroy Kelly. His all-around athleticism paid off. During his NFL career, Hickerson was noted not only for his punishing blocking, but also for speed and quickness rarely found in a lineman.